Paul Julius Nunda popularly known by his stage name Jua cali is one of the best and most successful musicians in the history of Kenya's music industry.
He is a pioneer member of Calif Records alongside legendary producer Clemmo and veteran musician Nonini.
In the early 2000s when Jua Cali was making his debut, the industry had not picked up. There was no clear system, therefore artists had to toil to get their music on radio and secure invites to perform in different shows.
He dropped his first single dubbed 'Ruka' in 2001 and followed it up with other songs that made him one of the breakout artists back then.
By 2004, he had made a name in the industry, but since the systems were not yet fully streamlined, he did not have much to show for himself.
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In the course of the year, he received an interview invitation for an endorsement deal with a local corporate - a call that made him feel that his efforts were finally paying off.
According to Jua Cali, he prepared and attended the interview that was held at an establishment along Valley Road. The first question surprised him as he was asked the type of car he drives.
He had mixed feeling about the question but decided to tell the truth that he did not have a car and had used a matatu to access the meeting venue.
"Around 2004 kuna campaign flani ya Trust ilikua inapangwa so wasanii kadha waka shortlistiwa mimi included, but before you get the gig ilikua lazima uende for an interview. Meeting ilikua ya mtu tatu mimi na madam flani wawili. So the 1st question niliulizwa ni ‘What car do you drive?’ I swear to God I am not lying.
"Yo!! Hio swali ilinipata offguard coz in my head I was like hii swali ikona connection gani na hii campaign? Ama hawa wasee waliniona kwa dirisha nikitembea wanajaribu kunipima? But anyway nilikua truthful nikajibu ‘I dont own a car actually I came here using a matatu’," he narrated.
File image of Mejja, Clemmo and Jua Cali. [Photo: Courtesy]
Back at home, his friends and family were hopeful that he would get the deal in order to build their career, but that was not the case as the endorsement was given to other candidates.
Despite, the setback, he did not give up on his dream. In 2006, his major breakthrough came when he released his viral hit dubbed Bidii Yangu that opened massive doors for him including landing an endorsement deal with a local phone company.
"...The most important thing we believed so much in ourselves we never gave up tukaendelea na grind kurelease songs, Mungu ni nani after like 2 years I became the Brand ambassador for Motorola na hivyo ndio vile journey yangu ya the corporate world ilianza so na hope huyo madam aliniuliza hio swali ya gari anatuona tukifanya mambo!!! Never give up on your dreams no matter what," he encouraged his fans.
He later landed other massive deals and performed in top events that saw him build a home and acquire other assets.
Today, Jua Cali is ranked as one of the legendary musicians and godfathers of Genge music in the country. You cannot talk about Genge music without mentioning the 'Kiasi' hit maker.
He celebrates the fact that a genre he helped establish has received global recognition and will be featured in the Grammy Awards in 2024.
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